Political science students have a wealth of extra-curricular and co-curricular opportunities to enhance their major area of study.
Internships give students the opportunity to integrate coursework with experiential learning while gaining practical experience in a political science-related field. Recent political science majors have held internships with the Phoenix mayor's office; Portland City Hall; Immigration and Naturalization Services; Congressional Offices - House and Senate; Democratic Party; State Department; and law offices in Portland.
Working closely with their professors, students in political science gain invaluable experience outside the classroom when they conduct research to examine and shed light on the political life of a people. Research may be presented at professional conferences.
The University of Portland is a member institution of the Washington Semester Program at American University in Washington, D.C. Students who participate in this program normally take a seminar, do a research project, and complete a two-days-per-week internship that is suited to their own interests.
Students develop their analytical and communication skills and learn about activities inside the court room through the Mock Trial Team.
The University of Portland sponsors a local chapter of the Roosevelt Institution. Students can conduct policy research on timely political issues such as environmental protection, trade, and constitutional issues such as equal protection.